Before reading from the Bible, we seek the illumination of the Holy Spirit and call upon God to make us receptive to the life-giving Word that comes to us through both the reading and proclamation of Scripture.
Lord, open our hearts and minds
by the power of your Holy Spirit,
that as the Scriptures are read
and your Word is proclaimed,
we may hear with joy
what you say to us today. Amen.
Book of Common Worship (WJKP, 1993) 60.
Notes adapted from Supplemental Liturgical Resource 1 (WJKP, 1984).
Excerpt from Worshiping God Together: A Guide for Children and Their Parents:
Before we read from the Bible, we pray that the Holy Spirit will help us to hear what God is saying to us, and to do what God is calling us to do as followers of Jesus Christ.
Directory for Worship
In preparation for the reading, proclaiming, and hearing of God’s Word, a prayer seeking the illumination of the Holy Spirit is appropriately offered.
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Book of Order, W-3.3401a
Find Prayers for Illumination from Biblical and Confessional Resources for Worship.
Confession and Pardon | Scripture Readings